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Luxury safari villa | Sabie River | 7 min to Kruger Gate

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Exterior
Property video
Exterior
Exterior
Outdoor dining

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms4+ bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Swimming pool
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 5

2 Single Murphy Beds

4 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 4

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 5

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden

About this property

Luxury safari villa | Sabie River | 7 min to Kruger Gate

NKOVA SABIE — LUXURY SAFARI VILLA ON THE SABIE RIVER

Rated 10/10. Newly built. Exclusively yours.

Nkova Sabie is a luxury self-catered villa sleeping up to 10 guests, set within the exclusive Elephant Point Private Reserve on the banks of the Sabie River — with uninterrupted views directly into the Kruger National Park. Paul Kruger Gate is 7 minutes away.

This is not a standard holiday rental. Every detail has been chosen to give guests an exceptional African experience: hand-crafted live-edge furniture, reclaimed wood frames around the owner's award-winning wildlife photography, Egyptian cotton linen, granite baths and outside showers in every en-suite, and a heated infinity pool that seems to pour straight into the bush.

Hippos wallow in the river below. Lions, leopards and elephant roam the park minutes away. And when the sun goes down, the boma fire comes alive under a sky full of stars.

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THE VILLA AT A GLANCE
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✔ Exclusive use — the entire property is yours
✔ 5 bedrooms (2 king upstairs, 2 twin downstairs, 2 pull-down singles in gym)
✔ Sleeps up to 10 guests
✔ 4 en-suite bathrooms
✔ Heated infinity pool overlooking Kruger National Park
✔ Daily housekeeper (cleaning, washing, ironing)
✔ 24/7 electricity via new backup generator
✔ Wi-Fi with booster points in every bedroom
✔ Boma with fire pit and wood provided
✔ Gym and yoga studio
✔ Air conditioning and ceiling fans throughout
✔ Fly screens throughout
✔ No thatch — ideal for allergy sufferers

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THE BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS
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All four en-suite bedrooms are finished to a five-star hotel standard:
- 100% Egyptian cotton linen on extra-long mattresses with goose down duvets
- 'Soft as Down' mattress topper on every bed
- Huge imported granite baths (easily fits two people)
- Double granite sinks, inside shower and outside shower
- Private balcony with table and chairs
- Two armchairs, spacious wardrobe, in-room safe and hairdryer
- Edison lighting and full-length blackout linen curtains
- Luxury bathroom amenity kit

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OUTSIDE — POOL, TERRACE & BOMA
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The outdoor spaces are the heart of Nkova Sabie:
- Heated infinity pool with partial shade, 6 sun loungers and 2 umbrellas
- Luxury outdoor day beds and pool towels provided
- Tiled patio and wooden deck with hand-crafted dining furniture
- Gas lanterns, solar jars and outdoor lighting throughout
- Braai area with grill
- Boma with fire pit, director's chairs, removable grill and wood provided
- Boma dining available via catering service (starlit dinners, breakfast, lunch)

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LIVING SPACES & KITCHEN
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Downstairs: velvet sofas and armchairs, wood-burning fireplace, hand-crafted live-edge dining table, award-winning African wildlife photography throughout, reference books and African artefacts.

Upstairs: velvet sofas with footstools, 85" HD internet TV, work desk overlooking Kruger National Park, two inside lookout areas with padded bar stools, outdoor lookout terrace, and a fully equipped bar with dishwasher, bottle cooler and fridge.

Kitchen: fully equipped with black Zimbabwean granite worktops, 5-plate gas hob, 2 eye-level ovens, ice maker, coffee maker, double-door fridge, 2 dishwashers, washing machine and tumble dryer, and a separate spacious scullery. All cookware, cutlery and cookbooks provided.

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SERVICES AVAILABLE TO BOOK
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All of the following can be arranged before or during your stay:

🚐 AIRPORT TRANSFERS
- Skukuza Airport: R1,550 per shuttle / R2,325 with luggage trailer
- KMIA (Nelspruit), Nelspruit and OR Tambo: rates on request

🦁 GUIDED GAME DRIVES (into Kruger National Park)
- Morning drive: R860 per person (includes hot drinks & snacks)
- Afternoon drive: R860 per person (includes cold drinks & snacks)
- Full day drive: R1,590 per person (includes all refreshments)
- Exclusive safari vehicle with professional guide
- Departs from Elephant Point — Kruger conservation fees not included

🍽️ CATERING SERVICES
- Private in-villa chef
- Boma starlit dinners
- Boma breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Game drive picnic boxes
- Birthday packages
- Kosher and Halal catering available
- Pre-arrival grocery shopping

💆 MOBILE SPA
- Treatments brought to you at the villa — pool, deck or in-room
- Full treatment menu available on request

─────────────────────────────────────
THE LOCATION
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Nkova Sabie is located within Elephant Point Private Reserve on the R536 — the scenic road between Hazyview and Paul Kruger Gate.

- Paul Kruger Gate (Kruger National Park): 7 minutes
- Hazyview (supermarkets, restaurants, fuel): 15 minutes
- Skukuza Airport: 26km through the Kruger National Park
- KMIA / Nelspruit: approximately 1 hour
- Johannesburg / OR Tambo: approximately 5 hours

The area around Paul Kruger Gate and the Sabie River is widely regarded as one of the best parts of the Kruger for wildlife — particularly for leopard, which are seen here more frequently than almost anywhere else in the park.

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WHAT GUESTS SAY
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10/10 — Exceptional

"We loved the amazing sunsets with the hippos in the background. Sitting in the boma under the African stars — your place is heaven on earth."

"The most incredible house. We saw lions, cheetahs, wild dogs and leopards. A safari paradise — and the decoration made us want to redecorate our own homes!"

─────────────────────────────────────
GOOD TO KNOW
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- Non-smoking property throughout
- Pets not accepted (bush environment)
- No thatch — suitable for guests with thatch allergies
- Changeover day: flexible
- Check-in from 15:00 / Check-out by 10:00
- We recommend guests have their own vehicle once at Elephant Point
- Fuel up in Hazyview before the final stretch — no petrol station on the R536
- Save the GPS coordinates before you travel: 24°57.3620 S / 31°25.1749 E
- Mobile signal can be weak on the R536 — download your route offline in advance
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number 2017/356349/07
Property # 11770366
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 16
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

About the area

eMakhazeni

EMakhazeni is home to this villa. Paul Kruger Statue and Paul Kruger Gate are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Skukuza Golf Course and AM Spa Kruger. Fishing and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and rock climbing nearby.
Map
Hazyview, MP

Getting around

  • Skukuza (SZK) - 55 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Lapa Restaurant - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Shilovo Bar - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Viewing Deck @ Protea Hotel Kruger Park - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Kudyela Restaurant Protea Hotel Kruger Lodge - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪The Bar @ Sabi Sabi Little Bush Lodge - ‬76 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Luxury safari villa | Sabie River | 7 min to Kruger Gate have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Luxury safari villa | Sabie River | 7 min to Kruger Gate?

As of 5 Jun 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Luxury safari villa | Sabie River | 7 min to Kruger Gate on 23 Jun 2026 start from £1,008, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Luxury safari villa | Sabie River | 7 min to Kruger Gate pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Luxury safari villa | Sabie River | 7 min to Kruger Gate?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Luxury safari villa | Sabie River | 7 min to Kruger Gate?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Luxury safari villa | Sabie River | 7 min to Kruger Gate?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Luxury safari villa | Sabie River | 7 min to Kruger Gate located?

Situated in eMakhazeni, this villa is within 6 miles (10 km) of Paul Kruger Statue, Kruger National Park and Paul Kruger Gate. Londolozi Game Reserve is 8.1 mi (13 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 1 out of 1 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 1 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 1 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 1 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 1 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Justin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a gorgeous house and the staff was really friendly!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Jul 2025
Thank you it was a pleasure to host you all

About the host

Hosted by Michael Ryan

Host profile image
Mike and Nicki Ryan are a British couple who met in Africa over 30 years ago and have been returning ever since. Africa got under our skin and never let go — the light, the wildlife, the sounds at night, the smell of red earth after rain. We didn't want to just visit any more. We wanted to share it.

Nicki is an award-winning wildlife photographer whose images hang throughout the villa, printed large and framed in reclaimed wood. Every photograph was taken in the field — many within the Kruger National Park itself. Mike shares the same passion for Africa and the bush. Follow our wildlife photography on Instagram: @nickiryan_wildlife and @mikeryan8865.

Our two sons visit regularly — sometimes with us, sometimes independently. They've grown up with Africa in their bones, and they'll tell you what we'll tell you: no two days here are ever the same.

We are based in the UK but our hearts are firmly on the banks of the Sabie River. We are hands-on owners who care deeply about every guest's experience. You will deal with us personally — from your first enquiry to your final morning — and we will do everything we can to make your stay exceptional.

We built Nkova Sabie out of love for this place. We hope it gives you what Africa has given us.

Why they chose this property

We have been visiting South Africa for over 30 years and the southern Kruger kept calling us back. The bush around the Sabie River has a particular quality that is hard to put into words — a density of wildlife, a drama of landscape, and a quality of light that photographers dream about.

The area around Paul Kruger Gate is consistently regarded as one of the best parts of the Kruger National Park for wildlife. Leopard are seen here more frequently than almost anywhere else in the park. Lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, cheetah, wild dog and hippo are all regularly encountered. With 145 mammal species and over 500 bird species, no two drives are ever the same.

What sealed it for us was standing on the banks of the Sabie River at sunset, watching hippos wallow below as the sky turned gold over the park. The Kruger stretched out in front of us, wild and endless. We knew instantly that this was the place.

The name says everything: Nkova means 'river valley' in Shangaan — the language of the local people — and Sabie takes its name from the river below. The name was a deliberate choice to honour the land, the culture and the people who have called this extraordinary place home for generations.

What makes this property unique

Nkova Sabie is not a standard holiday rental. It is a newly built, exclusive-use luxury villa sleeping up to 10 guests, designed by the owner — award-winning wildlife photographer Nicki Ryan — with a clear vision: a home that feels deeply African without being contrived.

Every detail was chosen with intention. Reclaimed woods. Hand-crafted live-edge furniture. Cemcrete floors. Nicki's own award-winning wildlife photography, printed large and framed in reclaimed wood, throughout every room. Nothing here is accidental.

The villa sits within the exclusive Elephant Point Private Reserve on the banks of the Sabie River, with uninterrupted views directly into the Kruger National Park. Paul Kruger Gate is 7 minutes away. Hippos wallow in the river below your window.

But beyond the views and the design, what guests mention most is something harder to photograph: the smell of red earth after rain. Wild sage on the morning air. Wood smoke from the boma. The sound of the bush at night.

A daily housekeeper attends to every need. Game drives, a private chef, mobile spa treatments and airport transfers are all available. The heated infinity pool looks straight into the Kruger. The boma fire burns under a sky full of stars.

We built this place out of love for Africa. Guests feel that the moment they arrive.

Languages:

English, French
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